The alfalfa weevil (AW) overwinters in both the adult and egg stages. Although egg laying occurs in the fall and spring, larvae hatching from spring-laid eggs cause the most damage. Eggs are laid in the alfalfa stem any time temperatures are above 48 degrees F.

The most common aphid species found in Delaware small grain fields are the English grain aphid, bird cherry-oat aphid, corn leaf aphid, and the greenbug. These four species can overwinter on small grains as eggs or as females which give rise to offspring in the spring. 

The primary purpose of this book is to provide cooperators and contributors a summary of the results of field research. Many data summaries and conclusions in chapters from this book have been submitted to the American Phytopathological Society for publication in Plant Disease Management Reports in 2015.

Emerald Ash Borer

• Adult beetles are metallic green and about 1/2 inch long

• Prefer stressed ash trees, but can infest unstressed

• Serpentine larval feeding galleries found immediately under the bark

Ash rust, caused by the rust fungus Puccinia sparganioides, is a disease which infects white and green ash in Delaware. Black ash is also reported as a host where it occurs. Leaves, petioles and green twigs are infected. Ash rust, like many rust diseases, needs two different hosts to complete its complicated life cycle. The alternate host for ash rust is marsh and cord grass (Spartina spp.and Distichlis spicata) which is found in coastal areas.

Effects on animal health from consuming or contacting potentially toxic plants can range from none to death. Potential deleterious effects include tainted milk; liver or kidney damage; cardiovascular, nervous system, musculoskeletal, or gastrointestinal problems;

Nutrient recommendations for most essential elements are based upon soil test calibration studies. These calibration studies relate the likelihood of a profitable plant response to nutrient addition with the nutrient concentration in the soil as measured by a soil test. However, nitrogen (N) is not included in routine soil analysis because it is not possible to test soils in advance of planting and accurately predict the need for N fertilization.

Under a crop share lease, a tenant pays the landowner a certain percentage of harvested crops.  In return, a landlord allows the tenant to use the land and may pay a percentage of certain input costs.  The percentage of both crops and selected expenses are usually based on local custom. 

Adult lace bugs are typically 1/10th of an inch long and cream-colored. They have lacy wings dotted with black and brown patches or bands. The eggs are 0.02 in long and usually laid on the midrib or leaf margins of young leaves; they are covered with a dark brown adhesive material that forms a hard protective covering.

Bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) of hardwood trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, is caused by the bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa. The small, xylem limited bacterium is carried from plant to plant by small insects such as leaf hoppers, sharpshooters, and spittlebugs. 

Bagworms feed on a variety of deciduous and evergreen plants including arborvitae, juniper, spruce, pine, maples, sycamores and numerous others. Evergreen trees and shrubs cannot recover from complete defoliation; whereas deciduous trees usually develop new leaves following defoliation.

Bark beetles have hard, smooth, stout bodies and range from 1.3 to 2.9 mm in length, depending on gender and species. The majority of bark beetles are female; males are smaller and flightless. Adult beetles can be reddish brown or black in color, while larvae are white and legless.

Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) is caused by the viral pathogen Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) complex. The BYDV complex consists of five closely related viruses in the Luteoviridae family.

The USDA-NRCS has created the Web Soil Survey (WSS) as a clearance house for soil survey data from the Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO). Currently, there are data available for almost all counties in the U.S.

The Box Tree Moth (BTM) caterpillars are green and hairy, with black stripes and white dots. They grow to about 1 to 2 inches. Adults are white with a thick brown border on the wings and are active at night.

Box Tree Moth (BTM), an exotic invasive insect that is under quarantine in Delaware, has now been found in multiple locations in Kent County. Scout your boxwood plants for damage like the photos below. If you find BTM damage, please follow the protocol below for reporting.

Cercospora leaf blight and purple seed stain are caused by the fungus Cercospora kikuchii. This is a widespread disease, but yield loss is rarely observed.

Cereal Leaf Beetle: Overwintering adults emerge in mid-March and begin to lay eggs after 2 to 3 weeks of feeding. Since females prefer to lay eggs on young plants, spring-planted oats and late-planted wheat are the predominant hosts. 

Cereal rust mite adults are small measuring less than one millimeter (mm), and for the first time observer a 10-20X hand lens is needed to see them.

Weeds are often not desirable in pastures for many reasons. Many weeds are less palatable to animals, weeds decrease rapidly in nutritive value as they mature, and some can be toxic if consumed in large enough quantities. Weeds can also reduce the amount of desirable vegetation. Weed infestations can often be prevented by implementing cultural practices that maintain a dense cover of desirable forage where weeds find it difficult to germinate and grow.

Crape myrtle bark scale begins its life cycle as tiny, pink to purple colored crawlers, which subsequently produce a fuzzy white waxy cover. Females remain sessile under the cover, whereas males pupate and leave their covers as a tiny, pink, gnat-like insect with wings 

Curvularia leaf spot is caused by the fungal pathogen Curvularia lunata. This disease was first observed in Delaware at the end of the 2020 season. The economic impact of this disease is still unknown in the United States.

The University of Delaware Soil Testing Lab uses the Adams-Evans buffer pH test to determine lime requirement for a field based on soil test analysis of an 8-inch composite soil sample. In this quick reference guide, we will walk through the steps for determining the lime recommendation using the Adams-Evans buffer pH. 

This soft scale feeds on crabapple, sweetgum, star magnolia, honey locust, maple, dogwood, elm, oak, pear, redbud, tulip tree, all stone fruit trees, and many other species of trees.

Canada geese (Canadian Geese) are highly recognizable waterfowl which can be identified by their black head, tail, and necks with a white chin and black bill.  Their wings are a dark grey, and breast are a lighter grey or brown.  Males are slightly larger than females and they range in size from two to three feet in height and weigh between seven and fourteen pounds.

Like most plants, corn growth progresses through three main phases: germination, vegetative, and reproductive stages. During germination, seeds break dormancy when soil temperatures exceed 50°F. They absorb (imbibe) water, triggering metabolic processes that lead to emergence and the start of the vegetative stage

Corn smut is caused by the fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis. Spores are spread through wind or water splashing to nearby plants. This pathogen infects the corn through the silks prior to pollination, or by wounds on the plant.

An enterprise is defined as a single crop or livestock commodity that produces a marketable product. The mix of enterprises an agricultural producer raises determines the overall profitability of a farming business. 

The Dectes stem borer (DSB) is a longhorn beetle that is native to North America, and feeds on many wild and some cultivated plant species. 

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for optimum plant growth. However, continued application of manures and fertilizers to soils has led to an accumulation of P in many Delaware soils to levels well above those needed for optimum crop growth. 

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, Touchdown, Duramax, and numerous other brand names. If resistance is suspected in one of your fields, some questions should be asked to help determine if herbicide resistance is the reason for lack of control.

Diagnosing horticultural plant problems is similar to being a detective. The investigator must collect and evaluate all clues, keep good notes, establish the facts, and synthesize them into a conclusion. Take adequate representative samples and keep collected samples in good condition. Have an open mind and don't assume that the current problem is the same as another similar one.

Dogwood Sawfly is an insect pest that can affect dogwood plants in summer. Sawflies are from the order Hymenoptera (same as ants, bees, and wasps). There are many types of sawflies, like the rose slug and hibiscus sawfly, and immatures feed on many common landscape plants.

Downy mildew of lima bean, caused by the oomycete, Phytophthora phaseoli, is a common disease in Delaware production areas. Proper identification and management of the disease is critical for protecting lima bean yields. This publication will review how to correctly identify the disease, describe its lifecycle, and outline management options for growers.

Emissions of dust, gases and odors from poultry facilities pose major challenges for the poultry industry. In addition to environmental issues associated with air and water quality, nuisance complaints associated with alterations in the ventilations system and urban encroachment are becoming a greater concern. 

The end-of-season corn stalk nitrate test is a simple, inexpensive tool that can be used to assess the nitrogen (N) status of a corn crop at the end of the growing season. Studies in Delaware, and other states, have shown that corn producers can use this test to improve their N management programs on a site-specific basis (Binford et al., 1990; Sims et al., 1995). 

The goal of passing on the farm to the next generation requires careful thought, communication, and planning. Estate and succession plans help farm families think through the transfer process. Most people do not want to think about death, however, and do not develop a succession or estate plan until it is too late.

Many crop management decisions require farmers or their agronomist, crop consultant, or nutrient consultant to make an estimation of the expected yield from a given field. Farmers recognize that yields for the same crop are variable from field-to-field and that a given crop cannot be expected to produce a consistent yield across the entire state. 

Early Season Symptom Chart: After spring green up. Symptoms not expressed on leaves emerge after the average temperatures reach 68°F +.

The eastern tent caterpillar is a pest native to North America and is usually found in the eastern part of the U.S. It is commonly found on wild cherry, apple, and crabapple. It can also be found on maple, cherry, peach, hawthorn, pear, and plum, ash, birch, black gum, willow, poplar and oak.

Caused by the fungus Cercospora sojina. The occurrence and severity of this disease varies across the region. Resistance to Group 11 (QoI) fungicides has been widely documented.

Over the past 10 years the disease has been reported throughout soybean growing regions of the United States as far north as Minnesota [1].  FLS occurs in Delaware but to date its effects have not been severe.  This publication will discuss symptoms of the disease, the disease cycle, and management recommendations.

FHB, or scab, affects wheat, barley, oats, corn, and other grasses. Fusarium graminearum (syn. Gibberella zeae) is favored by warm, humid conditions during flowering and early kernel development.

Choosing a business structure for a farming business can be difficult because entities differ in tax and legal implications. Choosing a business structure for the farm operation could result in either beneficial or negative consequences.

Farming during 2022 has been extremely stressful for agricultural producers with so many things changing about the economy, commodity markets, global events, and production costs soaring.

Gloomy Scale Insect: Spends winter as a female beneath protective coverings in bark, and in spring, resumes development by feeding via piercing-sucking mouthparts until she lays eggs underneath her tests. Eggs hatch sometime in late Juneand crawler activity may continue for 4 to 6 weeks.

Grass Sawfly - Adult sawflies emerge in early April, mate and begin to lay eggs in the leaf margins of small grains. Most egg laying is complete by early May.

Gray leaf spot is caused by the fungal pathogen, Cercosporazeae-maydis. This disease is favored by warm temperatures over 80°F, and extended periods of high humidity. Fungal spores overwinter in corn crop residue, increasing chances for infection on non-rotated crops.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is commonly used as a flavoring for food, as a condiment, and for medicinal purposes. The milder-flavored elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) is actually a leek that produces large cloves.

Gather tools that will help you acquire a sample, cutters, small shovel, hand lens, plastic bags, marker, etc. Go to the field with an open mind and investigate all possibilities!

Soil tests such as those conducted by the University of Delaware Soil Testing Laboratory will help you to develop and maintain more productive soil by providing more information about the fertility status of your soil. This helps you to select the proper lining and fertilization program so that you can obtain optimal growth of lawn, garden and ornamental plants.

Healthy plant growth and reproduction requires 17 nutrients. Of these, carbon (C), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) are derived mainly from the atmosphere and water. Soil minerals and/or soil organic matter are the main source of the remaining essential nutrients. 

Control of foodborne pathogens at the farm is a growing concern that is being addressed in the industry. Several methods have shown varying effectiveness in reducing pathogens on the farm, one of which is in-house windrow composting.

Insecticide efficacy rankings based on consensus of Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern entomologists.

Galls are caused by the feeding or egg-laying of insects and mites. Upon feeding or egg-laying, hormones from the arthropod are released, which tell the plant to grow a protective mass, which is the “gall”. This mass then either grows around the feeding damage or surrounds the egg. Once surrounded the arthropod has the food and protection needed to mature.

The University of Delaware (UD) has rated soils in terms of the likelihood of profitable responses to additions of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from fertilizers, manures, and other soil amendments for more than 50 years. Our soil test categories and fertility recommendations are based on research conducted in Delaware or in nearby states with similar soils, crops, and climates.

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is an introduced pest of turfgrass and other plants. Japanese beetle grubs destroy turfgrass roots. Affected turfgrass turns brown and can easily be pulled up from the ground.

Kissing bugs are insects that feed on blood from animals and people. They are native to Delaware and live in wooded areas.

Manure has always been a valuable input to agricultural soils in our region. The value of manure has increased significantly in the last few years as the cost of commercial fertilizers has climbed to record highs. As such, manure is in high demand because it is a locally produced source of nutrients (macro- and micro-) and organic matter that are greatly beneficial additions to Delaware’s sandy soils.

Dedicated footwear or disposable boots for each poultry house is best for biosecurity. Disposable boots can be purchased online or at local farm supply stores.

Pigweed is one of the most wide-spread weed species in Delaware and the region, infesting vegetable crops as well as grain crops. Pigweed is capable of quickly becoming the dominant species in a field due to its high seed output, producing over 100,000 seeds per plant.

The use of litter treatments has become an important tool in the management of built-up litter. Because litter treatments cover a broad range of products and functions, thefollowing discussion is limited to those whose primary function is controlling ammoniavolatilization from poultry litter.

Commercial poultry operations are required to handle poultry litter in a way that minimizes environmental impact, while also complying with State and Federal regulations. The use of permanent manure storage structures is supported by years of scientific data. 

Lady Beetle Overview

• In the order Coleoptera

• Beneficial predators

• Usually red/orange with black spots

Soil acidity, often measured as pH, plays a crucial role in plant health and overall soil productivity. Imagine the soil as a complex ecosystem that provides essential resources for plant growth. Just as humans thrive within a comfortable temperature range, plants have specific pH preferences for optimal development.

Many concentrated poultry-producing areas of the USA including the Delmarva Peninsula have shortages of quality pine-base bedding materials. Yet, there are often ample supplies of cost-effective hardwood sawdust (HW) that could supplement this deficit. However, the poultry industry has been reluctant to use HW due to periodic mold-induced respiratory health concerns.

Cover crops play an important role in protecting the soil and water when main crops like corn or soybean are not actively growing. The National Conservation Service promoted the use of cover crops during the Dust Bowl crisis of the 1930s, to protect soils from erosion.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14; a pH value of 7 is considered neutral, while pH values less than 7 are acidic, and pH values greater than 7 are alkaline. The pH values of soil usually range from pH 4.0 to pH 8.0; higher or lower pH values are very rare and are normally found only in severely disturbed soils or in soils that have been amended with some type of acidic or alkaline material.

Magnolia scale is one of the largest soft scales found in the U.S. and feeds on the sap of magnolias, particularly star magnolia, lily magnolia, cucumber tree magnolia, and saucer magnolia. Tuliptree scale is often misidentified as magnolia scale, but it feeds on tulip tree (yellow poplar), magnolias, and sometimes lindens.

When creating maps of field crops, one goal is to estimate plant health or responses to management. To achieve consistent imagery, drone flights must account for lighting conditions. While discussions often focus on avoiding variable cloud cover by flying on clear or overcast days, the sun’s angle also plays a critical role. 

The Delmarva Peninsula stands out as a prominent hub for broiler production, accounting for more than 596 million broilers in 2022 (Delaware Chicken Association, 2023). In 2022, Delaware raised approximately 234 million broilers, with a production value of 1.53 billion U.S. dollars (USDA NASS, 2023).

When observing unexplained stunting, wilting, or death in crops. When planting into a field with a history of nematodes. In areas with prior poor performance.

Understanding how N reacts in the landscape can help us maximize plant growth and crop yields, while minimizing harmful losses of N to the environment. This document helps agricultural producers understand how N interacts in the environment through the N cycle to guide maintenance and sustainability of agricultural crop production.

Unlike other nutrients, such as potassium or phosphorus, the nitrogen (N) requirement of corn cannot normally be met by N found in the soil. Consequently, most of the N needed by corn is supplied by applications of commercial fertilizers or manures unless crop rotations include legumes (e.g., alfalfa, clover, hairy vetch, soybeans), where N available from legume residues can often provide a significant percentage of corn’s N requirement.

Soybean is second most widely produced crop in DE, ranking just behind corn for grain. In 2017, approximately 160,000 acres of soybeans were produced in Delaware with an average yield of 51 bu/ac.

The amount of nitrogen (N) removed by the harvested portion of the crop is needed to develop nutrient balances. However, N removal by crops can vary considerably from field-to-field and year-to-year. 

July and August in the vegetable garden typically bring bountiful harvests of colorful vegetables. These are also the months when insect pests can really make their presence known, with plant and fruit damage becoming increasingly noticeable. 

July and August in the vegetable garden typically bring bountiful harvests of colorful vegetables. These are also the months when insect pests can really make their presence known, with plant and fruit damage becoming increasingly noticeable. 

July and August in the vegetable garden typically bring bountiful harvests of colorful vegetables. These are also the months when insect pests can really make their presence known, with plant and fruit damage becoming increasingly noticeable. 

July and August in the vegetable garden typically bring bountiful harvests of colorful vegetables. These are also the months when insect pests can really make their presence known, with plant and fruit damage becoming increasingly noticeable. 

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) is a disease of corn caused by the fungus, Exserohilum turcicum. Severe outbreaks of the disease can cause up to 30-50% yield loss in dent corn if the disease is established before tassel [1]. NCLB also causes significant reduction in quality in sweet corn and silage corn. This publication will outline how to identify the disease, review its lifecycle, as well as appropriate management options for growers.

Nutrient recommendations are based upon soil test calibration studies that relate the probability of a profitable plant response to nutrient addition to the plant nutrient concentration in the soil as measured by a soil test.

In June 2025, the Linking Agriculture and Aquaculture Farm Vitality and Health Forum was held to connect agriculture, aquaculture, and health care community members and to discuss the physical, psychological, and behavioral needs of Delaware's farming and aquaculture communities. During an afternoon activity, participants self-selected into groups on various topics of interest.

Crops often receive beneficial nutrients such as phosphorus (P) from manure and/or commercial fertilizer applications. However, the Delaware Nutrient Management Law limits the amount of P that can be applied to many agricultural soils in Delaware. 

Long-term use of fertilizer and manure nutrients on the Delmarva Peninsula has led to an enrichment of agricultural soils with phosphorus (P). Consequently, many soils in Delaware are now considered high or excessive in soil test P (Fig. 1). In some situations, high P soils contribute to eutrophication of surface waters; therefore, P management strategies that maintain both agricultural profitability and environmental quality are necessary. 

In Delaware, applications of phosphorus to “high P” soils (soil test P ≥ 150 FIV, as defined by the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission) cannot exceed a three-year crop removal rate unless alternative P management strategies (i.e. N-based management during one or more years of a crop rotation) are permitted based on results of a P Site Index.

Physoderma brown spot is caused by the fungal pathogen Physodermamaydis. Infection occurs in the leaf whorl when water has been present for an extended, warm period. Disease is limited and does not typically cause economic loss in the Mid-Atlantic.

Powdery Mildew (PM) is a fungal leaf disease caused by Blumeria graminis , which can reduce grain yield and quality in cereal crops.

Caused by many species of the oomycete pathogen Pythium. Pythiumspecies are favored by periods of extended soil wetness.

Where ants were collected and identified by a taxonomist, they have come back as ‘Pavement Ant’ – Tetramorium immigrans. However, several other species of ants are known to occasionally damage healthy vegetation, especially fire ants (Solenopsis spp., esp. S. invicta and S. richteri) further south and Allegheny mound ants (Formica exsectoides). Several Formica species are known to occasionally clear ground and prevent seedling establishment within several yards of their mounds.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a hybrid plant grown across the world for its flavorful and succulent fruit. Strawberries can be eaten many different ways in addition to being consumed fresh such as in ice cream, jam, or even chocolates. Plasticulture is a crop production system that has become the dominant way to grow strawberries in the last twenty years. 

What Pollinators Do For Us

• Pollinators are critical to our food production system

• More than 100 U.S.-grown crops rely on pollinators

• The Honey Bee is our primary pollinator

In this fact sheet, we will discuss the various types of poultry litter and litter co-products with a focus on their properties, their potential benefits for crop farmers, and important management considerations. By understanding how these materials are generated, how to estimate their nutrient content, and how to address potential management challenges, farmers can better integrate litter or litter co-products into their nutrient management plans for sustainable crop production and reduced environmental impact.

Written by: Emma Giancola- Ornamental Extension Entomology Intern
Brian Kunkel- Ornamentals IPM Extension Specialist University of Delaware

Sweet corn is one of the few crops for which insect pests drive most of the pest management program. A number of caterpillar pests attack sweet corn, infesting ears and rendering the ear and the whole planting unmarketable. In addition, caterpillars will also attack whorl stage sweet corn, and other insect pests can occasionally cause economic damage by themselves to the ears. This document focuses on the primary sweet corn pest, the corn earworm. 

Pulvinaria scale is a broad term for any species of scale in, or formerly in, the genus Pulvinaria. This includes the cottony maple scale (formerly Pulvinaria innumerabilis, now Neopulvinaria innumerabilis), the cottony maple leaf scale (Pulvinaria acericola) and the cottony camellia scale (Pulvinaria floccifera).

Northeastern Regional Publication No. 493
3rd Edition- Agricultural Experiment Stations of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. Prepared by: The Northeast Coordinating Committee for Soil Testing (NECC-1312)

Saltwater intrusion from sea level rise and tidal flooding is increasing soil salinity risks in coastal farm fields (Figure 1). Soil salinity is related to the presence of soluble salts and cations (positively charged ions) like sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and to a lesser extent, potassium (K). Excess soil salinity can reduce crop yields, damage soil structure, and disrupt nutrient availability.

Roseslug sawflies are wasps with an immature stage that feeds on the underside of rose leaves. The immature insect looks like a caterpillar but is difficult to see because it is greenish-yellow in color.  We have three species in the mid-Atlantic, and they are the bristly rose sawfly, the roseslug sawfly, and the curled rose sawfly, which is covered in bristles.

The drone market targets many different customers, including agricultural professionals. Drone videos and photography allow for a different perspective of the field and have the potential to uncover in-season production issues that scouting may miss. Assessment of crop fields can be made quickly when flying 200-400 feet above the crop.

Select material showing the symptoms you see. Send several samples showing different stages of disease development. Take samples showing transition areas between healthy and diseased. Dead plants, leaves or branches are generally of little use.

One of the most common foliar diseases of soybeans. Caused by the fungus Septoria glycines. Present in most fields at some level every year.

Parastagonospora nodorum (syn.Septoria nodorum) is a fungal pathogen that can produce symptoms on leaves, stems, glumes, and awns. P. nodorum has a wide host range, which includes wheat species, other cereals, and wild grasses.

Minimizing nonpoint source pollution of surface waters by P from agricultural cropland requires management practices that control both the supply and transport of soil P. The basic objective of environmentally sound P management is to maintain soil P fertility levels in a range that is optimum, but not excessive, for crop growth while reducing the loss of particulate and soluble P by processes such as erosion, runoff, or drainage. 

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is the most yield limiting pathogen of soybeans across the US. Often referred to as a “silent yield robber”, SCN may be present and reducing yield without notable aboveground symptoms

Stalk rots are one of the most significant set of diseases on corn.  These diseases are insidious, and often growers are unaware of their effects until harvest.  Low levels of stalk rot occur in nearly every corn field in Delaware, and severity and incidence varies from year to year. 

Five major soil insects can be found in corn fields: seed corn maggot, white grubs, wireworms, cutworms and rootworms. Corn rootworm populations have increased in continuous corn production areas of New Castle and northern Kent counties. 

Common Name: Grass Spider

Scientific Name: Agelenopsis

Characteristics:

• Cave-like web

• Fast speed

• Yellowish-brown color.

Feed chickens a balanced layer feed (if they’re laying hens), which provides the nutrients necessary for egg production. Supplement their diet with vegetable scraps and occasional treats like mealworms, grains, or seeds, but avoid too many “junk” treats like bread or sugary foods. Chickens also enjoy green vegetables, especially in winter when they can’t forage as much.

Observe your chickens for signs of illness, such as lethargy, unusual droppings, decreased appetite, or feather loss. Check for mites, lice, and other parasites. Dust baths (a shallow area with sand and diatomaceous earth) help chickens keep clean and naturally prevent parasites.

The risk of Avian Influenza (AI or Bird Flu) for backyard flocks is low, but not zero. The more contact your birds have with wild or migrating birds, the higher the risk of exposure. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to keep your flock healthy and safe.

Open the coop in the morning to let chickens into their run and check food, water, and bedding. Collect eggs daily to keep nesting boxes clean. Close and lock the coop at night to protect chickens from predators, as many animals are nocturnal hunters.

Provide at least 2-3 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop and an additional 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run to prevent crowding.
Ensure the coop is well-ventilated but draft-free to avoid respiratory issues and keep it predator-proof with secure latches and strong wire mesh.

When you have backyard chickens and are concerned about communicable diseases, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and best practices to protect both your flock and yourself.

Avian influenza is caused by a virus that naturally occurs in wild birds, particularly waterfowl. These birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms and spread it through saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings. When domestic birds come into contact with the virus, it can cause severe illness and death.

Developing a grain marketing plan can be difficult, especially when grain market prices are constantly changing and going through periods of extreme volatility like what we’ve seen in the past two years. 

Cost-effective, practical, and environmentally sound best management practices (BMPs) for poultry litter management are needed to reduce nutrient losses to the environment during storage, handling, and land application of poultry litter. These practices help Delaware meet water quality standards and keep poultry growers competitive in national and international markets.

Commercial poultry operations are required to implement mortality management practices to comply with State and Federal regulations. New operations are unable to apply for financial assistance to offset the costs of establishing permanent mortality management structures (e.g., composting units, mortality freezers) until they are actively raising chickens. 

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients for all living organisms.  Soil, fertilizer, and manure are all sources of N and P to growing crops.  Atmospheric deposition (the air we breathe is mostly N gas) and irrigation water are also N sources.  If not managed efficiently, much of the N and P applied to and present in agricultural systems can be lost to the environment.

Color, drought tolerance, disease and insect resistance  are just a few of the many factors to consider when selecting turfgrass. Decide which features are important to you, then speak with a turf specialist to select the best options for your unique situation.

The twospotted spider mite (TSSM) is a plant-feeding mite that is an extremely widespread pest affecting nearly all crop plants (over 1000 plant species). TSSM is very small in size and requires magnification to see clearly. 

As an emerging technology for farmers, drone terminology may cause confusion. However, the practical use of drones and sensors is fairly straightforward. 

Nutrients from point and nonpoint sources negatively affect water quality in Delaware. The nutrients of greatest concern are nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Efforts to reduce nutrient enrichment of ground and surface waters are a high priority for state and federal agencies and of considerable importance to all nutrient users and nutrient generators in the state.

Using poultry litter as a fertilizer source has been a long-established practice on the Eastern Shore and is readily available due to the amount of poultry house operations present. This fact sheet will discuss fertilizer expenses within a crop budget, the benefits of using poultry litter, estimating the real cost of poultry litter, and determining cost savings when using poultry litter as a fertilizer substitute or additive.

The Delaware Nutrient Management Law was passed in 1999 in response to continued water quality issues in Delaware. The purpose of the Delaware Nutrient Management Law is to: Establish a certification program that encourages the implementation of best management practices in the generation, handling and land application of nutrients.

Direct-to-consumer marketing often involves selling various products that have both high profit margins and low profit margins. A useful pricing strategy to promote sales of both high profit margin items and low profit margin items is to use bundling strategies. 

The 1972 Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) contains a series of requirements for state environmental agencies to protect and restore the quality and health of U.S. waters with the goal of achieving fishable and swimmable status.  This fact sheet describes those CWA requirements and how they are implemented in Delaware.

The winter grain mite (WGM), as its name implies, is a cool season pest of small grains and orchard grass.